What Happened During the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri, a stampede led to the unfortunate deaths of three individuals, including two women. This shocking event highlights the challenges of crowd management during such significant religious gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Three people lost their lives in a stampede during the Rath Yatra.
- The incident occurred near Shree Gundicha Temple.
- Major delays in the chariot pulling led to a massive crowd gathering.
- Authorities are addressing crowd control measures.
- Favorable weather contributed to a higher turnout this year.
New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) Tragically, a stampede during the Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including two women, while 10 others sustained injuries.
The unfortunate event took place at approximately 4:30 a.m. as three grand chariots, transporting the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra, approached the Shree Gundicha Temple, located about three kilometers from the Jagannath Temple.
Reports indicate that a significant crowd had assembled for the darshan as the holy chariots reached the Gundicha temple. As the number of devotees surged, several individuals were knocked over, leading to a stampede that claimed three lives on the scene.
The deceased have been identified as two women, Prabhati Das and Basanti Sahu, along with 70-year-old Premakant Mohanty. All three hailed from Khurda district and had traveled to Puri specifically for the Rath Yatra. Reports suggest that the condition of some injured individuals remains critical.
Further details are still being awaited.
Although the chariots were scheduled to reach the Gundicha temple by Friday evening, they encountered a delay on Grand Road when Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja chariot got stuck at a turn, halting the progress of the other two chariots. Most rituals, including the Pahandi ceremony, were completed on schedule as per the plans of the Jagannath Temple Administration, but the pulling of the chariots experienced significant delays, causing frustration among the gathered devotees. The chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra -- Taladhwaja and Darpadalana -- stopped midway, while the Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, barely moved before halting.
In response to media inquiries regarding the delays, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that the pulling of the chariots began at 4 p.m. after all rituals were completed as planned. However, complications at critical turning points along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), coupled with an unexpectedly large turnout of devotees -- reportedly 1.5 times greater than previous years -- contributed to the disruption.
“Favorable weather conditions led to the increased attendance this year, making crowd management significantly more challenging,” he noted.
During the Rath Yatra, three magnificent chariots, carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra, are drawn by a massive throng of devotees. The holy chariots are transported to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities remain for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple.
Point of View
I emphasize the critical importance of crowd management during religious events. While the Jagannath Rath Yatra attracts immense devotion, incidents like this remind us of the need for enhanced safety measures to ensure the well-being of all participants.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede during the Rath Yatra?
The stampede was triggered by a sudden surge in crowd numbers as devotees gathered for the darshan of the deities, leading to chaos.
How many people were injured in the incident?
At least 10 individuals sustained injuries during the stampede, with some in critical condition.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
Authorities are reviewing crowd management strategies to enhance safety during large gatherings like the Rath Yatra.
